Sports footwear traction elements

ABSTRACT

The invention generally relates to footwear for sports, and particularly to a footwear system for improved athletic performance. The invention provides a footwear system for athletes in which elements provide padding and prevent slippage between an athlete and the ground. The elements are arranged according to precision measurements of maximal stresses that occur between the sole of the feet and the ground during an athletic performance. Using a system of the invention, an athlete avoids unpredictable slippage during a performance and also positions their feet consistently, with the result that performance is consistent and commensurate with equipment choice and physical abilities.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of International Patent ApplicationSerial No. PCT/US13/69996, filed Nov. 14, 2013, and of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/676,620, filed Nov. 14, 2012, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to footwear for sports, and particularlyto a footwear system for improved athletic performance.

BACKGROUND

When an athlete performs, he would like to achieve consistentexcellence. Whether the objective is to score goals, maneuver adroitly,or run fast, the athlete wants to maximize performance. In many sports,this requires a complex kinematic performance in which the athlete'sbody provides many moving parts that must all be coordinated to give thedesired performance. Unfortunately, some athletes do not obtain the bestresults that they desire. Golfers miss shots, as do basketball players.Baseball players strike out and runners sometimes stumble.

What is particularly bedeviling is that results can be inconsistent.When an athlete executes a move that is, for all purposes, the same as amove that they made earlier in the same day, sometimes the athlete getsa different result. Even where the athlete knows that they are repeatingthe same physical motions—the same muscle contractions with the sameclub in the same weather on the same day—the outcome may beunpredictable. As a result, scores suffer. Not only are the poor scoresa source of frustration and displeasure to athletes, but theunpredictability itself can be very vexing. Additionally, athletesexperience problems such as discomfort associated with foot pressure andsweat. Playing a sport for a long time can lead to soreness andweariness. Poor weather can create uncomfortable and risky low-tractionconditions. All of these factors can have an adverse effect on theathlete's performance.

The fact that athletes experience such vexatious and frustratingphenomena is a significant problem facing athletes.

SUMMARY

The invention provides a footwear system for athletes in which elementsfor traction and padding are arranged according to precisionmeasurements of maximal stresses that occur between the sole of the feetand the ground at different moments throughout an athlete's performance.The elements may be provided as part of a shoe, an insert, a sock, or acombination thereof. Footwear elements provide traction that opposeslateral stresses while providing cushioning that relieves discomfortassociated with compressive stresses. Since discomfort is relieved atjust those spots in which an athlete experiences maximal compressivestresses, the athlete does not make continuous or subconsciousadjustments of their foot positioning throughout the performance. Sincethe padding and traction elements are positioned precisely according tomeasurements of stress during an athletic performance, an athleteexperiences maximal comfort by repeatedly positioning their feetconsistently in the same way continually and day-after-day. By providinga system that incorporates elements placed according to measurements ofmaximal stresses, lateral motions between the foot and the ground areprevented. Since lateral motions between the foot and the ground areprevented just at those spots of maximal stress, the athlete plus theEarth form a single mass transferring momentum to the objects theathlete interacts with (e.g., a javelin, a golf ball, a baseball, otherplayers), giving much more predictable, consistent results than anathlete that slips, relative to the Earth. Using a system of theinvention, the athlete avoids unpredictable slippage during aperformance and also positions their feet consistently, with the resultthat results are commensurate with equipment choice and physicalabilities. Thus the athlete enjoys the rewarding experience that, astheir athletic abilities improve, their scores improve. Theirexperiences in the sport are predictable and pleasurable and athletescan focus on getting the best performance from their equipment.

The invention includes the insight that stress between an athlete's feetand the ground can be dynamic and asymmetrical and influenced by theathlete's choice of footwear. The invention includes models ofcompressive and shear stresses as distributed across both of anathlete's feet during a performance. The invention provides templatesfor footwear systems that incorporate the stress models. A template ofstress patterns can be used to provide a sock with cushioning elements,a shoe with cushioning elements, a shoe insole with cushioning elements,or a combination thereof. Because compressive and shear stresses may benon-uniformly distributed across the sole of a foot and asymmetricallydistributed between a pair of feet, a template and footwear madeaccordingly avoids the positioning of non-useful elements in spots wherethey would not provide benefit and could instead increase discomfort,provide adverse biofeedback incentives, decrease tactile informationspecificity, or interfere with other material functions such asstretching or breathing. Accordingly, the invention provides sportsfootwear systems in which a sock and a shoe or an insole interactgenerally, as well as systems that specifically incorporate patterns ofmaximal stress. To maximize a consumer's ability to tune their footwearto their needs, the invention provides whole-footwear systems as well asshoes, socks, or shoe insoles that can be obtained separately andmixed-and-matched according to the athlete's judgment.

In certain aspects, the invention provides a sports footwear system thatincludes one or a pair of shoe inserts. The insert has a plurality offeatures for padding and traction disposed in an arrangementcorresponding to a template provided by measurements of stress exhibitedby an athlete's foot during performance. A side of the insert can bedescribed as including a ball-of-foot portion, a toe portion, a heelportion, an inner arch portion, and an outer arch portion. According tocertain measured stress templates, the ball-of-foot portion, the outerarch portion, and the heel portion of the insert each have at least onepadding element. Some templates may provide multiple elements forpadding and traction (e.g., 2, 3, 4, many) for the ball-of-foot portion,the outer arch portion, or both. The elements may all be of uniformsize. In some embodiments, an element on the heel is largest and anelement on the outer arch portion is smallest. The insert may optionallyinclude elements to correspond to an underside of a toe of an athlete.In some embodiments, the insert is reversible, with high-relief elementson one side and low-relief elements on the other side. Preferably, theinsert is provided as part of a pair.

The insert and the elements may include an elastomer such asthermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The elements may be a plurality ofdiscrete elements of one material adhered to a second material providinga main body of the insert, or the insert may be singular areas ofmaterial.

In a related aspect, the invention provides a method of preventingfatigue while playing a sport by wearing a shoe insert that has aplurality of elements for padding and traction. By playing a sport whilewearing the footwear, consistent performance is encouraged, in partbecause the elements of the insert prevent the foot from slipping withina shoe.

In certain aspects, the invention provides a sports footwear system thatincludes a shoe and a sock. The shoe has an insole with a plurality offeatures for padding and traction. The sock—generally including a cuff,a leg, an instep, a toe, a heel flap, and a sock sole, the sock solehaving a ball-of-foot portion, an inner arch portion, an outer archportion, and a heel portion—has a plurality of elements for padding andtraction disposed on the sock sole in an arrangement corresponding tothe arrangement of the plurality of features of the insole of the shoe.The arrangement may correspond to a template provided by measurements ofstress exhibited by an athlete while playing the sport. According tocertain measured stress templates, the ball-of-foot portion, the outerarch portion, and the heel portion of the sole of the sock each have atleast one padding element. Some templates may provide multiple elementsfor padding and traction (e.g., 2, 3, 4, many) for the ball-of-footportion, the outer arch portion, or both. The elements may all be ofuniform size. In some embodiments, an element on the heel is largest andan element on the outer arch portion is smallest. The sock sole mayoptionally include elements to correspond to an underside of a toe ofthe athlete. Elements for padding and traction may be located strictlyon the downward facing area of the sock, or they may extend around up tothe side of the sock. In certain embodiments, the sport is golf.

Each of the padding and traction elements on the sock sole may includean elastomer such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), as may paddingand traction elements on the insole of the shoe. The elements may be aplurality of discrete elements of material adhered to the fabric of thesock, or may be singular areas of material.

In some embodiments, the elements on the sock and the features on theshoe each have a cross-sectional profile designed to interlock with theother to prevent relative lateral motion between the sock sole and theshoe in at least one direction, and optionally more than one, when thesystem is worn by a person.

In a related aspect, the invention provides a method of preventingfatigue while playing a sport by dressing in a sock in which a sole ofthe sock has a plurality of elements for padding and traction andwearing a shoe having an insole with a plurality of features for paddingand traction arranged to correspond to the elements. By playing thesport while wearing the footwear, consistent performance is encouraged,in part because the elements of the sock may interlock with the featuresof the shoe insole to prevent the sock from slipping within the shoe.

Aspects of the invention also include a sports sock defining a cuff, aleg, an instep, a toe, a heel flap, and a sole. The sole includes aball-of-foot portion, an inner arch portion, an outer arch portion, anda heel portion. The sole may further include one or more elements forpadding and traction located according to a measured pattern of stressexhibited by an athlete's foot during performance. For example, in someembodiments, the ball-of-foot portion includes a first element forpadding and traction, the outer arch portion includes a second suchelement, and the heel portion includes a third such element. Theelements may be of uniform size or the first element has a larger areathan the second element while the third element has a larger area thanthe first element. In certain embodiments, the plurality of elements forpadding and traction is disposed on the sole in an arrangementcorresponding to a known arrangement of features on an insole of apre-determined shoe. In certain embodiments, the sport is golf and theelements are located according to a measured pattern of stress exhibitedon a golfer's foot during a golf swing.

In other aspects, the invention provides methods of making socks.Methods of the invention include receiving a template that shows apattern corresponding to regions of maximal stress experienced on thesole of an athlete's foot during an athletic performance and addingelements for padding and traction to the sole of a fabric sock accordingto the pattern. The method may further include making the sock forexample, by knitting it. The elements may be added by screen-printingonto the fabric of the sock. An elastomer such as TPU or other materialmay be screen printed. The sport may be golf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a shoe insert for sports improvement.

FIG. 2 gives a cross-section through a shoe insert showing adouble-sided embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows an apparatus for measuring stress between a foot andground.

FIG. 4 shows measured stresses between feet and ground during a golfswing.

FIG. 5 shows vectors of shear stresses between feet and ground during agolf swing.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sock of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a socklet according to embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of regions of a sole.

FIG. 9 depicts a sole of a sock of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows a sole of a sock according to embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sock sole of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a sock according to the invention.

FIG. 13 portrays a sock according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 14 exhibits a pair of socks according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 15 demonstrates a pair of socks according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 16 displays an exemplary pair of socks of the invention.

FIG. 17 reveals a pair of socks according to embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a reproduction of results of measuring sole stress during agolf swing.

FIG. 19 is a contour diagram of regions of stress shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method of improving a golfer's game.

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary system for improving a golfer's game.

FIG. 22 is a detailed diagram of regions of a sole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a shoe insert 1 for improved performance in sports.Shoe insert 1 may be provided for any sport such as, for example,soccer, football, golf, baseball, running, motorsports, fitness,sailing, cricket, rallycross, etc. Insert 1 has a plurality of elements13 a, 13 b, . . . , 13 n for padding and traction disposed in anarrangement corresponding to a template provided by measurements ofstress exhibited by an athlete's foot during performance. Insert 1includes a ball-of-foot portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, an innerarch portion, and an outer arch portion (see FIG. 8 and accompanyingdescription). According to certain measured stress templates, theball-of-foot portion, the outer arch portion, and the heel portion ofthe insert each have at least one element 13. Some templates may providemultiple elements 13 for padding and traction (e.g., 2, 3, 4, many) forthe ball-of-foot portion, the outer arch portion, or both. Elements 13may all be of uniform size. In some embodiments, element 13 at the heelis largest and an element 13 on the outer arch portion is smallest. In apreferred embodiment, each element 13 includes 18 protruding dots (e.g.,as shown as element 201 a in FIG. 9), which may be found to providemaximal multi-directional slip resistance. Insert 1 may optionallyinclude elements to correspond to an underside of a toe of an athlete.Preferably, the insert is provided as part of a pair.

Insert 1 and elements 13 may include an elastomer such as thermoplasticpolyurethane (TPU). The elements 13 may be a plurality of discreteelements of one material adhered to a second material providing a mainbody of the insert, or insert 1 may consist of a single monolithicallyformed piece of material. In some embodiments, insert 1 has one sidethat is textured with elements 13 targeted according to a pressure pointmanagement system and the other side will be smooth. In certainembodiments, insert 1 is reversible, with high-relief elements on oneside and low-relief elements on the other side.

FIG. 2 gives a cross-section through a shoe insert 1 showing adouble-sided embodiment, with high-relief elements 13 on one side andlow-relief elements 13 on the other side. High relief elements 13 mayprotrude from insert 1 by about twice as much as a protrusion of lowrelief elements (e.g., by about 2 mm and about 1 mm, respectively).Dual-relief insert 1 as pictured in FIG. 2 gives an athlete an optionfor controlling an amount of traction and padding provided by elements13 as well as for fine-tuning comfort provided by insert 1. Thus, anathlete can use insert 1 to counteract ground-reaction forces that ariseduring sports performances, and even to exploit and capitalize on groundreaction forces.

Thus, in some embodiments, insert 1 is reversible. A consumer may placeinsert 1 in a first orientation to use one side, and then may reverseinsert 1 (e.g., into the other shoe) to use the other side. Someathlete's may find that it is particularly beneficial and desirable toreverse insert sides during a day of activity, as the change in reliefor pattern may provide a variable stimulus that prevents fatigue anddiscomfort.

In certain embodiments, insert 1 is washable. Insert 1 may be made froma machine-washable polyurethane foam or similarly heat and detergentresilient material. This provides the benefit of allowing insert 1 tosimply be put through the washer and dryer (or even through adishwasher) for cleaning.

Ground reaction forces and center of pressure patterns have previouslybeen studied. See Williams, RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN GROUND REACTION FORCESDURING THE GOLF SWING AND ABILITY LEVEL, 1999, Proc. 5th Eng. SportsMtg., 7 pages. One application of the insights so gleaned involvesstudying how a shoe interacts with the ground. The interaction of thesole of the foot and the insole of the shoe cannot best be addresseduntil the interaction of the outsole of the shoe and the ground isunderstood.

The physics of momentum transfer from events involving an athlete isdependent on the relationship between the athlete and the ground. Thestress and strain relationships between athlete and ground is mediatedthrough a number of surface interfaces: the sole of the foot and theinsole of a sock; the outsole of the sock and the top-side of insert 1;the bottom-side of insert 1 and the insole of a shoe; the outsole of asock and the insole of a shoe (if no insert 1 is present); and theoutsole of the shoe and the ground. Before turning to phenomenon withinthe shoe, the relationship between shoe and ground is first addressed.

FIG. 3 shows a test apparatus 201 for measuring stress between a shoeand ground. Shoe 219 sits on turf 225. Tray 213 rests on a last insideof shoe 219 via post 231, all inside of sled 207. Casters 237 minimizefriction between tray 213 and sled 207. Mass 209 simulates an athlete'sdownward force. Ground reaction forces (shear) and center of pressureforces can be measured using a force platform 227, such as one providedby Kistler (Winterthur, Switzerland). A sport performance, such as agolf stroke, is mimicked by releasing weighted pendulum 241 so that thetip of the pendulum engages a loop on a cable thereby exhibiting alateral impact force on sled 207.

Horizontal (Fy) and vertical (Fz) forces are measured as the force isapplied until slip occurs. A traction score, T, is calculated as thepeak horizontal force, at the instant a shoe slips, divided by verticalforce.

When a variety of shoes were tested, a baseline Tmin is establishedusing a smooth-sole shoe and is used with a Tmax from the best shoeamong the set to calculate a relative traction for the ith shoe based onthe traction score Ti for the ith shoe.

Relative traction (%)=((Ti−Tmin)×100/(Tmax−Ti)  (Eq. 1)

In a test of leading brands of golf shoes, a shoe with 6 mm spikes gaveTmax, a Puma Tour gave the next best relative traction (99.7). Thepoorest, other than the smooth-soled shoe, was 74.2. Accordingly, afirst step to minimizing variability or unpredictability of sportsperformances includes wearing a shoe with a good relative tractionscore. Once an athlete maximizes the relative traction between shoe andground, for example, by wearing a Puma Tour shoe for golf, methods ofimproving performance include optimizing interactions between the shoeand foot. Sports shoes are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,117; U.S.Pat. No. 5,987,783; U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,833; and U.S. Pub. 2009/0100718,the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference.

Having now established a pattern of shoe/ground interaction and, moreparticularly, a test thereof that can be performed for any shoe,shoe/foot interactions are addressed. Any particular mechanism foraffecting shoe/foot interactions may look to force patterns exhibitedbetween the feet and the Earth during a sports performance.

FIG. 4 shows measured stresses between feet and ground during a golfswing. FIG. 4 gives a separate graph for the left and the right foot.Along the x-axis (time), start bar 305 indicates a position of abeginning of a downswing. Stroke bar 309 shows a moment of ball impact.In each graph, a box is drawn around a moment of maximum shear force,corresponding to pendulum impact of apparatus 201. Patterns that appearin FIG. 4 may be mapped onto the soles of feet or shoes.

FIG. 5 shows vectors of shear stresses between feet and ground during agolf swing, with each vector originating from a point of maximumvertical force (Fz). The points of maximum vertical force are drawn assmall circles that are connected by a broad line that traces theprogression of the maximum vertical force during a swing. Studying thevectors shown in FIG. 3, it can be understood that a left foot exhibitsa maximum shear force in a nearly true heel-to-toe direction at a spotlocated at the center, forward part of a ball-of-foot region. Incontrast, a right foot exhibits a maximum shear force in a directionfrom inside-toe to outside-heel, on a spot located at the inside,heel-ward part of a ball of the foot. The patterns revealed in FIG. 5describe a significant stress phenomenon that a golfer contends withwhile making a shot.

Even with the best shoe (e.g., a Puma Tour), a golfer's foot will bepushed, relative to the insole of the shoe, according to the pattern ofshear force vectors and center of pressure locations described in FIG.3. Given that it is not a known practice to directly functionalize thehuman foot with cleats, it is an objective of the invention tofunctionalize the human foot with traction elements that resist thepattern shown.

An insight of the invention is that, while socks participate in two ofthe three body/ground interface surfaces, the fabric of socks can beexploited to attenuate body/ground slippage associated with shear forcesas well as, simultaneously, discomfort associated with compressiveforces. A footwear system with direct contact between elements on theoutsole of a sock and an insole of a shoe may provide traction at boththe interface between the sock outsole and shoe insole and the interfacebetween the foot and the sock insole (e.g., due to the fabric pliabilityof the sock). Accordingly, the invention provides footwear systems,including individual socks, with one or more elements on the outsoles ofsocks that have an arrangement corresponding to a location of one ormore of a maximum stress between a foot and the ground during a sportsperformance. In some embodiments, systems and articles of the inventionwill include at least one sock.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sock 101 of embodiments of the invention. Sock 101generally includes a cuff 107 at a terminus of leg portion 111. Legportion 111 extends to instep 119, which terminates at toe region 123.Leg portion 111 also extends to heel flap 131. A sock sole 137 generallyextends between heel flap 131, edges of instep 119, and toe 123. Whilesock 101 in FIG. 6 is drawn with lines appearing to set off heel flap131, cuff 107, and toe 123, these portions of a sock need not be ofseparate material or separate pieces of material than the other parts ofsock 101, and they need not correspond in size or shape to those areasshown in FIG. 4.

Sock 101 can be made from any suitable material and by any suitablemethod. Sock 101 can be manufactured by a machine, such as an industrialfabricator or a home knitting machine. Sock 101 may be made by sewingpieces of fabric together. In certain embodiments, sock 101 is knitusing a circular knitting machine. The machine uses needles on acylinder or double cylinder. As the cylinder rotates, the needles knitthe yarn, creating a tube of sock with an open toe, which is thenclosed. A separate toe piece can be sewn on, or the toe can be sewnclosed. The socks are optionally dyed or decorated or shaped onfiberboard forms.

In some embodiments, socks are obtained in which a fabric portion ispre-made substantially as shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 and furtherfunctionalized according to methods of the invention. Methods for makingsocks are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,029; U.S. Pat. No. 7,047,767;U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,701; and U.S. Pub. 2012/0024014, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

A sock of the invention can be any suitable size, style, or material.Socks can be made of cotton, wool, acrylic, or any other natural orsynthetic fiber. Socks can include nylon, polyester, rayon, or acombination of any of these materials. Socks can be foot-shaped or tubesocks, and can have any thickness of material, overall length, or otherdimensions. A sock can include a gusset at the area where heel flap,leg, and instep come together. Socks may extend above the knee, or atleast cover the ankle, or not.

FIG. 7 depicts a socklet according to embodiments. A socklet istypically a sock that does not extend above the ankle. Some golfers mayprefer a socklet for the stress-attenuation benefits of the inventionwhile simultaneously having maximum exposure to outdoor air (e.g., on ahot day). Regardless of the length of a sock, the invention providesfunctionalization of a sole 137 of the sock. The invention includes theinsight that different regions of a sole of a sock, as well ascorresponding regions of an insole of a shoe, may each play a differentrole in the performance of a golfer's shot.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of regions of a sole 137. Sole 137 includes aninside toe region 141 and an outside toe region 146 just forward of aball-of-foot region 151. There is an inside ball-of-foot region 169disposed alongside an outside ball-of-foot region 157, as there is aninside mid-foot region 167 disposed along an outside mid-foot region161. Distal to the toe area is a heel region 165.

The dashed lines in FIG. 8 do not necessarily show precise boundaries. Aregion is just an area of a sock, and one region may be deemed tooverlap or extend into another. Any arbitrary area on a sock may be saidto lie within a region if it overlaps that region and may be said to liesubstantially within a region if a substantial portion of the area lieswithin the region. A region's boundary need not be thought of as asingle clearly defined line, but may be understood more generally to bea transition zone. In certain embodiments, a sole 137 of a sock 101 isfunctionalized by the provision of a cushioning or traction element,which may be referred to as a padding element.

The invention provides socks and footwear systems in which a sole of asock includes a padding element. A padding element is an element on asole of a sock that affects the interplay between the foot and theinsole of a shoe. Padding can mean cushioning, in one of its familiarsenses. However, padding can be taken to have meanings that include theprovision of displacement, as from a shim, or the provision of afoundation or support (e.g., analogous to the pouring of a concrete padin construction). Padding may be taken to mean the provision of shape(e.g., as in a shoulder pad in a jacket), the provision of a feature forhuman contact (e.g., as in a keypad), the provision of a material forcompressive impact or energy displacement (e.g., as in a drum pad), or acombination of any of the foregoing. For example, a pad may comprise aplurality of hard plastic areas, as does a keypad. In some embodiments,a pad includes or consists of a foam material (e.g., foam rubber) or anarea in which a fabric is provided more thickly than in surroundingareas. In certain embodiments, a pad includes one or a plurality ofareas of a polymer on the fabric of a sock. Pads can include one or moreof a rubber, fabric, polymer, plastic, leather, wax, thread, fiber,paper, cardboard, or other material, in any combination.

A pad (e.g., polymer) may be infused into, or adhered onto, the fabricof a sock. A polymer may be so affixed only by its own materialproperties, or through the use of an adhesive or stitching. A polymermay be attached to fabric by any suitable method including gluing,stitching, printing, molding, melting, fusing, others, or a combinationthereof. Any suitable polymer may be used including, for example, apolyurethane such as thermoplastic polyurethane. Methods of adding padsare discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,342; U.S. Pub. 2011/00233215; U.S.Pub. 2007/0204482; U.S. Pub. 2007/0028365; and U.S. Pub. 2005/0241186,the contents of which are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Ingeneral, at least one padding element will typically be included in sole137 disposed, for example, at or near a location of maximal stressduring a golf swing.

FIG. 9 depicts sole 137 of sock 101 according to certain embodiments ofthe invention. Sole 137 is shown here including ten of padding element201 a, 201 b, . . . , 201 n. Each padding element 201 includes 18 spotsof polymer affixed to sole 137. The 18 spots of an element 201 aredisposed in a substantially hexagonal array. It may be found that theuse of 18 sub-elements makes for an optimal pattern for traction controlby providing an excellent coefficient of static friction in many lateraldirections—better even than other simpler geometric patterns. Where apadding element 201 includes a shape, a polygon, circle or ellipse, orirregular shape may be used. In some embodiments, a polygon is includeddue to, for example, the ability to provide edges that oppose the shearforce. An edge of padding element 201 may provide particular traction ina direction perpendicular to an edge. A direction of traction may beviewed as a vector, with components in directions other than the vector.For any shear force, two non-parallel edges of a polygon will provide atleast one component of a vector of traction that is antiparallel to thevector of shear force. In some embodiments, the strongest tractionvector is associated with the edge most nearly perpendicular to theshear force vector. For a series of shear forces oriented in differentdirections, or for one shear force that will be oriented in anunpredictable direction, the more sides a polygon has, the greaterprobability that it will present at least one edge at less than somearbitrary maximum deviation from the direction perpendicular to theshear force(s). Accordingly, hexagons may generally provide moretraction than pentagons and squares, etc. Note that in alternativeembodiments, maximum traction may not be associated with an edge of apolygon, but may be associated with a material of element 201, andamount of vertical relief, a material of an insole of a shoe, otherfactors, or a combination thereof.

Where element 201 has a shape of a polygon, it may be preferred to use apolygon or combination of polygons that tessellate or exhibit efficientpacking. Packing of polygons may be taken to mean a ratio of areaenclosed by a polygon to a ratio of total area when a pattern ofpolygons is arranged to maximize that ratio. Efficient packing may thenrefer to the minimizing of interstitial “space” between polygons. Fullytessellating regular polygons include isosceles triangles, rectangles,and hexagons. In some embodiments, a hexagon is used to have a fullytessellating form with edges in a desired number of directions. Inalternative embodiments, it may be desired to optimize an edge to arearatio (e.g., to maximize it), and another form (e.g., isosceles triangleor square) may be used. Furthermore, a particular shape (e.g., such as agiven overall shape) may be desired to optimize an aspect of amanufacturing process. For example, where elements 201 are manufacturedseparately from sock 201 and then adhered thereto, elements 201 may bemanufactured in a sheet form, for example, as a material adhered to apaper substrate. Accordingly, it may be desired to use a shape witharbitrarily high packing efficiency or tessellation to minimize waste ofthe sheet. As shown in FIG. 7, elements 201 have a hexagonal overallshape, and are presented in three different sizes. Other patterns arewithin the scope of the invention. It will be noted that sole 137depicted in FIG. 9 appears as the sole of one foot. A sock 101 of theinvention may be provided as a pair, and in some embodiments, the pairof socks has a symmetrical pattern of elements 201 (one sock is theminor image of the other). In certain embodiments, a pattern of elements201 on the soles 137 of a pair of socks in asymmetrical. In otherembodiments, only one sock of a pair has elements 101. Any exemplarysock herein may be taken to show a pair where the other sock may be thesymmetrical match to the depicted sock. Additionally, any two socksdepicted herein may be taken to form a pair. In some embodiments, theinvention provides a pair of socks in which one sock has one of thepatterns shown or discussed herein, or a variant thereof, and the othersock as a related but non-matching pattern, such as the inclusion of atleast one matching element but in a non-corresponding location.

FIG. 10 shows a sole 137 that is similar to the sole shown in FIG. 9 butwithout elements 201 disposed at the toe area. It can be noted in FIGS.7 and 8 that elements 201 are presented in at least three differentsizes. The medium size is shown at interior ball-of-foot region 169, anelement of large size is shown at heel region 165, and at least onesmall element 201 is depicted in outside mid-foot region 161. In someembodiments, this pattern is preferable as a heel needs a large element201 for comfort and weight distribution while interior ball-of-footregion 169 needs a compact but substantially effective element 201. Anoutside mid-foot region 161 is an optional location for an element 201.

FIG. 11 illustrates a sole 137 that includes irregularly-shaped elements201. Here, the shape, size, and thickness (including optionallyvariations in thickness) of elements 201 are shown provided in a fashionthat can correspond with great precision to regions of maximal stress.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show exemplary socks according to the invention. Sock101 can include features known in socks, such as toe, heel flap, or bothbeing provided in another material or color. Socks 101 can includeprinted information, for example, relating to the benefits of elements201. Printed information can provide a significant utilitarian benefit.One or more indicia printed on a sock can direct a golfer in proper useof the footwear system. By using graphics, text, layout, or acombination thereof, to communicate the benefits of the elements forpadding and traction, provide information concerning proper use, orboth, printed indicia may enhance a golfer's benefit from use of theinvention. Useful printed indicia can include indications of locationsof elements 201, information about a corresponding insole, sock size orfoot (e.g., L v R), a wear indicator, or simply a brand name orstatement of the function of the sock or footwear system.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, elements 201 may have an overall shape(here, square) of one material, with additional features therein orthereon. Here, each square of element 201 includes a hexagonal patternof spots of material. This may be preferred where, for example, sock 101and element 201 are manufactured separately and then elements 201 areaffixed to sock 101. Other shapes and patterns of elements 201 areprovided.

FIG. 14 shows a pair of socks in which elements 201 are provided aslocalized regions of gripping dots including a material such as TPU.

In certain aspects, the invention provides a footwear system in which asock 101 has an element 201 on a sole of the sock and the system furtherincludes an insole of a shoe with a feature in a corresponding location.While useful in any sport, golf provides an excellent illustrativeexample. Such a system provides the particular benefit of locking agolfer's foot to the foot-bed of their shoe. When used in conjunctionwith a shoe that scores acceptably on the stress test described above,excellent locking between a golfer's foot and the ground is achieved.Accordingly, the invention provides methods of improving one'sperformance by using a sock with a padding element and a shoe with aninsole with an interacting feature in a corresponding location. Theelements on the sock and on the insole of the shoe interact for maximumcomfort, grip, or both. Systems of the invention can include shoes thathave features corresponding to the elements 201 on sole 137 of sock 101.In certain embodiments, the invention provides insoles for shoes whereinthe insoles have the features. Thus an athlete may procurefunctionalized shoes and socks, or functionalized insoles and socks, andinsert the insoles into their golf shoes to obtain the benefits of theinvention. Insoles may optionally include a mechanism for fixing theminto the foot-bed of shoes such as, for example, an adhesive backing.

By providing insoles that interact with socks 101, systems and methodsof the invention optimize an athlete's performance. The features on theinsoles of the shoes can have a profile that complements elements 201 onsocks 101. For example, elements 201 can be gripping dots, and theinsoles can have pockets. In some embodiments, elements 201 are texturedareas for high friction and the insoles feature complementary texturedareas or rubber areas.

FIG. 15 shows a pair of socks 101 in which elements 201 are includedhaving a linear pattern. Each element 201 may be provided with a seriesof ridges and valleys, which can be straight (as shown in FIG. 13),sinuous, curved, zigzag, irregular, etc. In some aspects,

In certain embodiments, elements 201 include ridge-and-valley structuresand the insoles are provided with corresponding ridge-and-valleystructures. When the ridge-and-valley elements 201 of socks 101 matewith the structured insoles, shear motion perpendicular to theridgelines is prevented. Moreover, by providing a padding element of adeformable material (e.g., polyurethane), a cushioning aspect isprovided.

In certain embodiments, a padding element 201 (e.g., as shown in FIG.13) may have a ridge-line or edge that is substantially perpendicular tovector of maximum shear stress (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3). A sole 137may include a plurality of such elements 201, in which each elementincludes an edge or contour that is substantially perpendicular to acorresponding vector. In some embodiments, each dot (e.g., at the originof each vector) shown in FIG. 5 corresponds substantially to a geometriccenter of gravity of an element 201 on a sole 137 of a sock 101, andeach element 201 has a linear component oriented normal to thecorresponding vector. The invention also includes footwear systems inwhich an insole of a shoe includes features with linear elements thatcorrespond to, and interlock with, elements 201.

According, in some embodiments, FIG. 15 shows elements 201 havingridge-and-valley structures. The invention also provides insoles withcorresponding structures. The ridges may be oriented so that ridgelinesrun substantially perpendicular to a vector of maximal shear stress. Asole 137 may include a large element 201, for example, at theball-of-foot region. To supplement the shear resistance of theridgelines, sole 137 may include other elements 201 having ridgelinesthat run in other directions, as shown in FIG. 13. While depicted inFIG. 15 as being approximately symmetric, a pattern of elements need notbe. In fact, in some embodiments, only one sock of a pair includes oneor more of element 201.

FIG. 16 displays an exemplary pair of socks 101 in which only one sockincludes elements 201. Here, element 201 is depicted as a pattern of tentriangles. Where only one sock include element 201, it may be eithersock of a pair. A golfer may prefer element 201 on a dominant foot.

An element 201 as depicted in any figure herein, or as discussed herein,may include an amount of relief. Relief, generally, is a measure of anamount of thickness added to fabric by virtue of a thickness of element201. An element 201 may have 0 (zero) relief by being printedsubstantially smoothly on the fabric (as type is typically printed on apage). An element 201 may have uniform relief, indicating a generallyplanar surface with a contour that mimics the contour of a surface ofsock 101 (and therefore a contour of a foot). An element 201 may havevarying relief, such as is provided by a rippled, textured, sloped,beveled, or contoured surface. An amount of relief at any given pointmay be zero, or it may be between 0.001 mm and 1 cm. In certainembodiments, an amount of relief is between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm(e.g., between about 0.7 mm and about 1.5 mm).

FIG. 17 shows a pair of socks 101 according to certain embodiments inwhich element 201 is a hexagonal ring with a vacant area in the middleof about a quarter of the area of the overall hexagon. While depictedhere as only being on sock, a pair of socks may be provided in whichboth include element 201. A location or distribution of elements may bedetermined with reference to information about ground stresses on agolfer.

The invention includes methods of making socks for improved golfing byusing information about ground stress. Ground stress information may behad by performing tests on a golfer, or by reference to availableinformation. In the context of footwear systems of the invention, apattern of ground stress information may be used as a template formaking socks. Methods of the invention include receiving a template thatshows a pattern corresponding to regions of maximal stress experiencedon the sole of a golfer's foot during a golf swing and adding paddingelements 201 to the sole of a fabric sock 101 according to the pattern.

FIG. 18 is a reproduction of results of measuring sole stress during agolf swing. The results depicted in FIG. 18 were originally presented incolor. For the purposes of preparing a template for making socks, colordata may be reformatted as black and white.

FIG. 19 is a contour diagram of regions of stress shown in FIG. 16. Asshown in FIG. 17, black regions correspond to what were red regions ofthe display shown in FIG. 16. White areas immediately adjacent to theblack areas correspond to, and may be pictured as, orange. Gray zones(in FIG. 17) were depicted as yellow zones in FIG. 18 and the outerwhite zones may be pictured as green. Striped zones correspond to bluezones. In this manner, the color spectrum in FIG. 18 that stood for ameasure of stress intensity can processed as specific areas. Anysuitable image processing operation may be used. In certain embodiments,a morphological processing operation—such as erosion, dilation, others,or a combination thereof—may be used to prepare a template such as theone depicted in FIG. 17. Known computer programs can generate colorseparations. See, for example, Markham, CMYK COLOR SEPARATIONS USING THEGIMP, accessed on Nov. 1, 2011, from the web site AlternativePhotography. One benefit of a template such as FIG. 19 or a colorseparation of data such as that shown in FIG. 18 (noting that a colorseparation is, by nature, a black and white image) is that it itself maybe used as camera-ready art in the preparation of silk screens forprinting TPU elements onto socks. That is, in certain embodiments, thetemplate dictates the positioning of elements 201 on socks 101. In someembodiments, such a template is used to determine where to locateelements 201 on socks 101. A template can be any information thatrelates areas of stress during a golfer's swing and can have anysuitable format. For example, a template may consist of numericalcoordinates indicating locations on soles and values that indicatestress by magnitude, vector, or both.

FIG. 20 diagrams a method of improving a golfer's game. Steps of methodsof the invention can be performed in any suitable order. FIG. 20provides but one exemplary diagram. A template, as discussed above, isobtained along with any parameters relating to footwear. For example,where socks are to be manufactured, an order of socks and parametersrelating to color, decoration, size, etc., may be received. Where afootwear system (e.g., a single custom system for a golfer) is toprovided, information about a preferred shoe may be received.

Obtaining a template may include using a fitting system to obtain stressdata points that are then transferred to a computer for processing. Afitting system may include a device for measuring stresses, an area setup like a sports-playing area (e.g., a golfing tee-off area, a baseballbatting diamond, a square of basketball court with net, a race carsimulator with seat and pedals, etc.) A fitting system may be providedby a store or similar enterprise (such as a university athleticdepartment or a pro sports league training gym). A portable fittingsystem may be taken to, and used at, events such as a PGA show. Afitting system may be an installation in a sports pro shop, such as agolf pro shop. A fitting system may be a kiosk with a measuring platform(e.g., a frame with a metal and/or rubberized pad that measures stressvia sensors such as a scale or magnetic shear measurements) thatmeasures stress and transmits the measurements to a computer in thekiosk for use in a template of the athlete's stress patterns. Footmapping kiosks are described in U.S. Pub. 2012/0191554 and U.S. Pat. No.8,117,922. A kiosk may be used in a store or at a show or public eventto measure properties associated with an athlete's foot and to providethe template.

Footwear is then prepared. This can include making socks and/or mountingthem on some suitable frame. Elements 201 are then added to the socks.In certain embodiments, this involves screen printing TPU onto sockfabric. Any required details (e.g., cuff-stitching, printing of sizeinformation, monogramming) are added. In contexts that involvecustomization or personalization, relevant details are prepared. Forexample, a golfer may provide a personalized template for locations ofelements 201. In some embodiments, a golfer is given choice of differentstyles of elements 201. In embodiments in which a footwear system isbeing provided, an insole is provided, either as part of a shoe, or forinserting into a shoe. Once the sock and optional insole is prepared itis delivered. For example, a shipment of socks can be delivered to atruck, to be carried to a distribution center. Or a customer's onlineorder can be shipped to their home.

FIG. 21 shows an exemplary system for improving a golfer's game. In someaspects, the invention provides a system for making a sock that providesthe ability to receive a template that shows a pattern corresponding toregions of maximal stress (e.g., FIG. 3, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 17, etc.)and to coordinate operations for adding elements for padding andtraction to a sock according to the pattern.

FIG. 21 shows components in an exemplary system for producing footwearsystems. As shown in FIG. 19, system 400 generally includes one or morecomputer, communicably coupled via network 415. Systems and methods ofthe invention may generally be implemented through the use of one ormore computer such as any combination of a provider computer 481, aproduction computer 461, and a consumer computer 401 along with, forexample, a sales server 441 and a production server 421. A computergenerally includes a processor (e.g., 409, 489, 469, 449, 429) operablycoupled to a memory (e.g., 407, 487, 467, 447, 427) and configured tosend or receive information via input-output device (e.g., 405, 485,465, 445, 425).

One of skill in the art will recognize that a processor may be providedby one or more processors including, for example, one or more of asingle core or multi-core processor (e.g., AMD Phenom II X2, Intel CoreDuo, AMD Phenom II X4, Intel Core i5, Intel Core i& Extreme Edition980X, or Intel Xeon E7-2820). In certain embodiments, any of consumercomputer 401, provider computer 481, production computer 461 may be anotebook or desktop computer sold by Apple (Cupertino, Calif.) or adesktop, laptop, or similar PC-compatible computer such as a DellLatitude E6520 PC laptop available from Dell Inc. (Round Rock, Tex.).Such a computer will typically include a suitable operating system suchas, for example, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows XP, all from Microsoft(Redmond, Wash.), OS X from Apple (Cupertino, Calif.), or Ubuntu Linuxfrom Canonical Group Limited (London, UK). In some embodiments, any ofconsumer computer 401, provider computer 481, production computer 461may be a tablet or smart-phone form factor device and processor 481 canbe provided by, for example, an ARM-based system-on-a-chip (SoC)processor such as the 1.2 GHz dual-core Exynos SoC processor fromSamsung Electronics (Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea).

In some embodiments, either of sales server 441 or production server 421can be a Hitachi Compute Blade 500 computer device sold by Hitachi DataSystems (Santa Clara, Calif.). Either of processor 449 or processor 429can be, for example, a E5-2600 processor sold under the trademark Xeonby Intel Corporation (Santa Clara, Calif.).

Input-output devices generally includes one or a combination of monitor,keyboard, mouse, data jack (e.g., Ethernet port, modem jack, HDMI port,mini-HDMI port, USB port), Wi-Fi card, touchscreen (e.g., CRT, LCD, LED,AMOLED, Super AMOLED), pointing device, trackpad, microphone, speaker,light (e.g., LED), or light/image projection device.

In certain embodiments, a template is received via a consumer's use ofconsumer computer 401 or via a designer's use of provider computer 481and the selection is received at sales server 441 and stored in memory447. Sales server 441 may use a network card for input/output 445 toreceived data. Sales server 441 may provide an order database 443 whichmay include accounts 444 where consumer information is stored (e.g., forpayment and delivery information).

After orders are received and ready for production, one or moretemplates, other order information, or a combination thereof can betransferred via input/output 445 from sales server 441 to productionserver 421 via input/output 425, which may also be a network card orother data transfer mechanism. Order information (e.g., orders 439) isstored in production database 435 in memory 427. Processor 429 executescomputer program instructions stored in memory 427 to initiateproduction.

A production facility may be equipped with a production computer 461which either automatically coordinates the operation of machines orprovides information to production employees, e.g., via input/output465, which could include, for example, a monitor or laser printer.

Many of the steps and functions described herein can be planned orcoordinated by a provider personnel using provider computer 481. Forexample, engineers or sales personnel can prepare and upload information(e.g., one or more template, digital files such as in a comma-separatedvalues (CSV) format). That is, in certain embodiments, providerpersonnel use provider computer 481 to design or plan production ofparticular socks or footwear systems.

A memory generally refers to one or more storage devices for storingdata or carrying information, e.g., semiconductor, magnetic,magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. In certain embodiments, astorage device of the invention includes a tangible, non-transitorycomputer readable medium for memory. Exemplary devices for use as memoryinclude semiconductor memory devices, (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, solid statedrive (SSD), and flash memory devices e.g., SD, micro SD, SDXC, SDIO,SDHC cards); magnetic disks, (e.g., internal hard disks or removabledisks); magneto-optical disks; and optical disks (e.g., CD and DVDdisks). The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, orincorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

Footwear systems and articles of the invention may be made withreference to particular portions of a sole of a foot, sock, or insole.FIG. 8 displayed regions of a sole. In some embodiments, elements orfeatures are located on a sole with more particular reference todetailed specific regions of a sole.

FIG. 22 is a detailed diagram of specific regions of a sole 137. Sole137 includes an inside toe region 141 and an outside toe region 145 justforward of a ball-of-foot region 151. A shared central toe portion 177occupies parts of inside toe region 141 and outside toe region 145.There is an inside ball-of-foot region 169 disposed alongside an outsideball-of-foot region 157, both in connection with fore-centralball-of-foot region 175. There is an outer-edge ball-of-foot region 153.Sole 137 further includes an inside mid-foot region 167 disposed alongan outside mid-foot region 161. Outside mid-foot region 161 is lead byforward outside mid-foot area 159 and trailed by trailing outsidemid-foot area 163. Heel region 165 is lead by forward heel region 155and trailed by trailing heel region 173. In certain embodiments, a sock101 or insole of the invention comprises an element 201 or feature,respectively, substantially or essentially contiguous with central toeportion 177, fore-central ball-of-foot region 175, forward outsidemid-foot area 159, forward heel region 155, or a combination thereof. Insome embodiments, a sock 101 or insole of the invention comprises anelement 201 or feature, respectively, substantially or essentiallycontiguous with central toe portion 177, fore-central ball-of-footregion 175, forward outside mid-foot area 159, and forward heel region155, as depicted in FIG. 20, as this may provide enhanced benefits ofimproved golfing according to insights of the invention.

In certain embodiments, a pair of socks of the invention includeselements 201 at locations corresponding to the origins of one or more ofthe vectors depicted in FIG. 3. For example—making reference to FIG. 20,and imaging its minor image to visualize both a left and a right sock101—in some embodiments, a right sock includes an element 201 at each ofinside ball-of-foot region 169, fore-central ball-of-foot region 175,and outside ball-of-foot region 157, or a continuous element 201 acrossa corresponding area (optionally including element 201 at outer-edgeball-of-foot region 153 for additional lateral support benefit). A leftsock includes an element 201 at each of fore-central ball-of-foot region175, outside ball-of-foot region 157, and forward outside mid-foot area159, or a continuous element 201 disposed across a corresponding area.In certain alternative embodiments, the left and the right sock aresubstantially symmetric to one another to offer a benefit to consumersof matched feel for certain consumer who may find asymmetric socks adistraction. In some embodiments, the invention provides insoles withcorresponding features. The features and elements may be designed toprovide a high degree of traction to resist lateral displacement thatwould result from unmitigated shear stresses. Displacement-resistancecan be provided by a textured surface, a pliable material (e.g., TPU),ridgelines or contours, edges, corresponding protrusions and divots,gripping balls, nubbins, or combinations thereof. Additionally, in someembodiments, one or more of element 201 may wrap from the sole, outwardsand upwards, extending to the sides of sock 101 (e.g., towards theinstep 119) for the benefit of additional tactile feedback. Whilediscussed above in terms generally of traction and cushioning (e.g., tooffset stresses and prevent fatigue, which reduces subconscious footpositioning), additional benefits include tactile feedback. Theinclusion of one or more of element 201 give stimulus points by which agolfer may understand the positioning of the foot in relationship to theshoe and the ground, thereby aiding a golfer in continually improvingtheir athletic ability.

As used herein, the word “or” means “and or or”, sometimes seen orreferred to as “and/or”, unless indicated otherwise.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

References and citations to other documents, such as patents, patentapplications, patent publications, journals, books, papers, webcontents, have been made throughout this disclosure. All such documentsare hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for allpurposes.

EQUIVALENTS

Various modifications of the invention and many further embodimentsthereof, in addition to those shown and described herein, will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the full contents of thisdocument, including references to the scientific and patent literaturecited herein. The subject matter herein contains important information,exemplification and guidance that can be adapted to the practice of thisinvention in its various embodiments and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sports footwear insert comprising: a shoeinsert defining a ball-of-foot portion, a toe portion, a heel portion,an inner arch portion, and an outer arch portion, the insert comprisinga plurality of elements for padding and traction disposed in anarrangement corresponding to a template provided by measurements ofstress exhibited by an athlete's foot during performance.
 2. The insertof claim 1, wherein the plurality of elements comprises at least fourareas of material raised from a surrounding surface of the insert by atleast 1 mm.
 3. The insert of claim 1, wherein the elements are all ofuniform size.
 4. The insert of claim 1, wherein an element on the heelis largest and an element on the outer arch portion is smallest.
 5. Theinsert of claim 1, wherein the insert is reversible, with high-reliefelements on one side and low-relief elements on the other side.
 6. Theinsert of claim 1, wherein the insert is provided as part of a pair. 7.The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises thermoplasticpolyurethane (TPU).
 8. The insert of claim 1, wherein the elementsdefine a plurality of discrete elements of one material adhered to asecond material providing a main body of the insert.
 9. The insert ofclaim 1, wherein the insert and the elements are monolithically formedof a single piece of material.
 10. A sports footwear system comprising:a shoe having an insole comprising a plurality of features for tractionand padding; and a sock comprising a cuff, a leg, an instep, a toe, aheel flap, and a sock sole, the sock sole comprising a ball-of-footportion, an inner arch portion, an outer arch portion, and a heelportion, wherein the sock further comprises a plurality of elements fortraction and padding disposed on the sock sole in an arrangementcorresponding to an arrangement of the plurality of features of theinsole of the shoe.
 11. The system of claim 10, further wherein each ofthe elements comprises an elastomer.
 12. The system of claim 11, whereinthe features comprise the elastomer.
 13. The system of claim 12, whereinthe elements and the features each comprise a cross-sectional profiledesigned to interlock with the other to prevent relative lateral motionbetween the sock sole and the shoe in at least one direction when thesystem is worn by a person.
 14. A method to improve an athlete'sability, the method comprising: obtaining, using a computer, stresspattern data exhibited by a sole of a foot of the athlete; preparing,using the stress pattern data, a template comprising a location ofstress exhibited by the sole; and preparing footwear comprising at leastone element for padding and traction disposed at the location of stress.15. The method of claim 14, wherein the template includes a location ofmaximal stress exhibited by the sole during an athletic performance. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein the location of maximal stress is anarea of about 1 cm² that includes a spot on the sole where at least 85%of a maximum stress is exhibited during a golf swing.
 17. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the footwear comprises at least one shoe insert. 18.The method of claim 14, wherein the footwear comprises at least onesock.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the computer is provided by akiosk that also includes a measuring platform for the athlete to standon, wherein obtaining the stress pattern data includes making ameasurement using the computer and the measuring platform.
 20. Themethod of claim 14, wherein preparing the template comprises receivingdata from a golfer obtained through the golfer's use of a personalcomputer and storing the data in a server computer.